Who Should I Start? Darnell Mooney or Xavier Legette

Sunday, January 5, 11:48 AM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Carolina Panthers. He had been listed as questionable but had an unfavorable outlook after NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted that Mooney faced an uphill battle to suit up this weekend. His absence should lead to an increased role for Ray-Ray McCloud III, who is the overall WR54 in PPR leagues with 58 catches, 620 yards, and one touchdown through 16 games. McCloud has quietly put together the best season of his career and possesses WR3/FLEX upside in his increased role Sunday.

Tuesday, April 1, 8:02 PM

At the Annual League Meeting on Tuesday, Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales compared wide receiver Xavier Legette to Pittsburgh Steelers wideout DK Metcalf. The Panthers reportedly checked in on Metcalf before the Seahawks traded him to Pittsburgh, but Carolina's head coach touted one of his own when asked about him. "I think we got that guy," Canales said, "I think it's Xavier." The 24-year-old flashed in 2024 but was mostly underwhelming and struggled with drops (eight on 81 targets). However, Canales believes we could see big things from Legette with an entire offseason under his belt. He also noted the second-year wideout's work ethic. "You can't get him out of the building. He's there early and late...he's doing all the right things, and with the hard work, it will pay off." The South Carolina native has a bit to go before he's fantasy-relevant, but the vote of confidence from his head coach is encouraging. He sits favorably on the team's depth chart for now, but that could change later this month after the draft.